Experience the art of Japanese knife-making at Asano Kajiya, the workshop of master swordsmith Asano Taro in Gifu Prefecture. Asano Taro is a government-certified artisan, one of the few still practising traditional Japanese sword forging. This unique experience offers a one-day crash course in the basics of Japanese bladesmithing, a craft that typically requires a decade of apprenticeship.

In the morning, you'll use authentic tools to forge your knife, followed by a lunch break at the smithy. After lunch, you'll shape your knife to complete the process. Lunch is provided by your host, but you can bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions or special preferences.

Transport to the workshop is convenient. You can take the Shinkansen bullet train to Gifu-Hashima Station, where a free pick-up service will transport you to the workshop. Travel times from major cities are approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto, 110 minutes from Tokyo, 10 minutes from Nagoya, and 50 minutes from Osaka. If driving, exit the Meishin Highway at Gifu-Hashima IC and drive for 3 minutes to the station.

This experience not only teaches you the traditional craft but also allows you to take home your newly forged knife.